We had a wonderful time in Tibet. We have learned a lot about this unique destination because of the wonderful guide Degyi who is so knowledge and always available towards our tours. We stayed at the Shangri-La Hotel Lhasa, and we would never imagine a Tibet travel could be so nice and amazing without the help of Degyi.

Also, thanks a lot to our Tibetan driver Mr.Wongdun for his safe driving and a good sense of service along the way.

Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts is set to be the first international hotel operator to launch a hot spring resort in Chongqing, China that embraces the natural healing waters of the North Hot Springs. Banyan Tree Chongqing Beibeiwill open to guests in the summer of 2013 and each of its 107 suites and villas will feature private hot spring pools so guests can enjoy the water's healing benefits in privacy and comfort. The extensive Banyan Tree spa will also offer seven different outdoor and indoor hot spring pools. This is the first time private healing pools have been introduced in Western China by Banyan Tree, echoing the group's continued mission to combine the best of local nature and culture with exhilarating holiday experiences.

Located 40 minutes from the main city of Chongqing in the peaceful area of Beibei and surrounded by the magnificent landscape of Jin Yun Mountain and Jialing River, the resort will offer 48 Hot Spring Retreats and 59 Hot Spring Villas. The resort's design has a strong sense of place and reflects the start of the Minguo era with traditional multi-storey folk houses and an open bamboo-lined courtyard and foyer. The interiors will combine contemporary and traditional design with dark wood furnishings, marble floors and soft thick carpets complemented by the renowned Shu embroidery, brocades and lacquer art craft.

Many inspired dining experiences will be showcased with five culinary venues at the resort. Exquisite contemporary Chinese delicacies can be found at Jin Yao Xuan, such as braised beef ribs seasoned with chilli and Sichuan pepper served with soft tofu and the region's celebrated hotpot cuisine. Bai Yun offers authentic Cantonese food such as stir-fried crystal shrimp and stewed crab craw and tofu with black truffle. Guests can dine on an array of delicious international favourites at Ming Yue where hearty breakfast buffets, a la carte lunches, and themed dinner buffets are all part of the experience. To savour relaxing moments with friends and family, the Qing Feng lobby & cigar bar is the perfect place to taste both premium Chinese and Western teas, fragrant coffee, and light snacks. Aromatic wines, aged whiskeys, and signature cocktails are available for guests interested in enjoying alcoholic refreshments. Cigar aficionados will be pleased with the bar's fully stocked humidor of fine Cuban cigars. The Pool Bar, with its casual and welcoming ambience, is an idyllic place to enjoy refreshing fruit juices, designer cocktails, or nourishing snacks.

The award-winning Banyan Tree Spa with three Standard Double Rooms, five Deluxe Double Rooms and one Royal Double Room, will offer its celebrated spa and wellness treatments. A signature Banyan Tree Spa innovation, the Yin Yang Rainmist experience will be the first-of-its-kind hydrothermal package to debut in Chongqing Beibei. It features a unique combination of Rain Shower and Steam Bath for an invigorating Body Scrub and a cascading Rain Shower which uplifts the senses followed by a therapeutic body massage. The Yin Rainmist calms sensitive skin while the Yang Rainmist eases tension.

An all-new spa innovation for total rejuvenation, there will be a total of seven indoor and outdoor Hot Spring Pools within the facility, exclusively for guests of Banyan Tree Spa. Guests can relax in the restorative North Hot Spring water, famed for soothing skin and muscular ailments. At a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius, it contains superior mineral contents such as calcium sulfate, magnesium and potassium. Upon soaking in the hot spring water for ten to fifteen minutes, guests will be ready to immerse in a therapeutic spa treatment where the body can absorb the beneficial hot spring mineral contents and nourishing massage oils at its best.

Other facilities include a state-of-the art gymnasium, a spacious yoga room, and the Banyan Tree Gallery that sells indigenous handicrafts, resort apparel, and spa amenities.

Surrounded by rich flora and fauna, caves and temples at the foot of Jinyun Mountain Natural Reserve, Banyan Tree Chongqing Beibei offers a restful escape from fast paced city living. Blessed with a year-round warm climate, picturesque natural scenery, and vivid local culture, the enchanting Beibei is renowned for its impressive local attractions. At the Three Little Gorges, guests can board rustic river boats for grand sights of stone cliffs tucked away in remote mountains. Fairy Mountain, an ideal location for luxurious summer strolls along the beautiful hillside grassland, transforms into an exciting winter sports hub during snow season. Dazu Rock Carvings, a World Heritage site, offers an amazing experience to observe the majestic carvings of religious statues and the ancient inscriptions dating back as far as the 7th century AD.

Banyan Tree Chongqing Beibei is located in Chengjiang Town, which is a 40-minute drive from Chongqing Airport, 50 minutes from the Chongqing Railway Station and the city centre, and 120 minutes from Chengdu. Limousine pick-up service can be arranged for guests upon request.

About Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts The leading international operator in the boutique resort, residences and spa industry, Banyan Tree offers a signature blend of romance and travel with a green conscience. The philosophy behind the hotels, resorts, residences, spas, retail galleries and destination club is based on rejuvenation of the body, mind and soul - a Sanctuary for the Senses.